download to excel in a zip file

We have a download to excel feature where user can download data in excel format. We are using JSF framework but since this feature as such is not related to JSF i am asking it in servlets. TYhe problem is that file size is getting heavy (around 40 mb), so user is not able to download it properly getting errors like (the server returned an invalid or unrecognized response) or (page cannot be displayed.) sometimes download box dissappears while downloading .

We have same data in our development and testing env where its working fine. Can somebody suggest some solution? I was thinking of converting that excel to zip file . Is it possible. need help.

and this code is called from following code : ExportToExcelVO vo = new ExportToExcelVO(); ExportToExcelBean expExclBean = new ExportToExcelBean();ArrayList<ExportToExcelVO> listVO = new ArrayList<ExportToExcelVO>();